I can't begin to describe the horror that is the Piramal Haveli. First, the Neemrana website and their staff gave us a route from Delhi to the haveli that went through the worst roads we have ever seen. Locals along the way kept directing us to alternative routes. when we finally arrived bruised, shaken and exhausted after almost 7 hours, we were greeted with a completely run-down haveli that takes "heriatge hotel" to an entirely new level. The photo of the garden on the webiste has been photoshopped to look like it is doubel the size than it really is. The A/C did not work properly. . The place was full of mosquitoes and the staff did not put out repellant. when we compalined to the staff about the non-functional A/C etc. they smiled and said" this is a hertitage hotel so it's all part of the experience!" The rooms are run-down and depressing. The food is dreadful. It is not tradtional Rajasthani as described on the website but the most awful Indian fusion. There are no shops (not even tiny street side vendor type of places around so you are stuck with the hotel's food. We asked the hotel staff if they knew of shops nearby that could make pakoras or jalebis (common Idnian snacks) and they knew of none. Pretty unbelievable. The grounds (if you can call the tiny garden in the front that) was full of mud, rocks and what not. The town is small and dirty so when you come back in the evening after exploring Shekhawati you are stuck here.

About a 30 min drive away is Alsisar Mahal. The staff kept discouraging us from going to see the painted havelis in the town of Alsisar and when we went there anyway, we discovered why. There is an absolutely beautiully restored palace - gorgeous rooms, grounds, ambience, pool, food and staff in Alsisar. The painted havelis in the town are gorgeous too. Both the towns of Bagar and Alsisar are small & dirty and so I'd much rather stay in Alsisar which has a gem of a palace and lovely painted havelis as well.

The staff at Alsisar also told us about an alternative route back to Delhi. It passes right by the Piramal Haveli in Bagar and the route is excellent - proper, paved roads in great condition with scenic fields on either side of the highway. It took us 4 hours to get back to Delhi and we enjoyed the drive. Why no one at Neemrana / Piarmal Haveli could tell us about that route is a mystery.

I have been to the Piramal Haveli thrice. First time to see and the next two times to stay and every time the exprience has been wonderful. The rooms are spacious, clean bathrooms with hot water, October and February are probably the best times to go because the weather is pleasant and not too cold or hot. It takes about 3hrs from Delhi via Rewari. All rooms are accessorized with Rajasthani Block print fabric and Upholstery. The Dining Hall has Shekhawati region special Fresco paintings on the cieling. The Dinner is served in Buffet Style. However if there aren't too many people, they serve you in large brass plates/thalis, authentic Rajasthani cuisine. If you want something special like Ker Sangri or Gatta Curry or Daal Baati Churma, you have to tell them and they will make it for you. Breakfast is included in the reasonable Tariff and the fare ranges from Cornflakes to indian options like Poha etc. The Service is great and the people are warm. Definitely a place to try out. Please don't compare with other neemrana hotels as they tell you upfront that this is a non-hotel offer from Neemrana group of hotels. Do get the booking done over phone in advance.

A painted art deco kothi managed by the Neemrana hotels just does not meet neemrana standards. The attraction is the reasonable tarrif and experience of staying in a large period house is definitely the main attraction. Rooms are large but be warned that only 4 of the 8 rooms have air conditioning. This is needed from April to October in Rajasthan. The rooms are well appointed in the syle of the period but the air conditioning did not work in two rooms and be prepared for mosiquitos. We were there in August which is somewhat warm and humid. The bathrooms are large and clean and there is enough hot water. The bonus is the the staff and service is wonderful. The small staff goes out of their way to make one comfortable. The hotel has no bsar licence but they provided ice and soda and chilled our wine and beer. If you are visiting Shekhavaati this hotel provides very basic menu. Disappointingly, the promised Marwari and traditional Rajathani cusine did not materialise on all three days. You need to give notice if you wish non vegetarian cuisine. Staff will arrange it. Be warned that you need to eat at the hotel because there are no tea shops of local eateries open in the evenings. In fact, it is a good idea to take some food along or buy it in towns in and around the region. The gardens shown on the site are not maintained at all. Half the property is not part of the lease so is pretty run down. The staff do not know enough about the best havelis or the routes and not much information was provided at the reception by Neemrana.

Having said that,the tariff is attractive and the service makes up for everything and it provides and ideal location to drive to Jhunjhunu, Alsisar and other towns where the painted havelis are beautiful.

Managed by NEEMRANA Hotels by restoring Old Havelis in to hotels, is a great effort and deserve a visit on a leisure trip. Rooms are large with king size beds giving impression of erstwhile era. Staff is polite and responsive. Large recreation room with paintings on the walls and the ceiling. It has only 8 rooms. It has a small kitchen which caters to the specific requirements of the guests. There is ample space for the parking. In the evening there is a arrangement of bonfire and folk music at dinner time. Good place worth a visit